Two charged over steeplejack deaths

The pair were demolishing a chimney at the plant

Two men have been charged with manslaughter after two steeplejacks died demolishing a chimney in Greater Manchester.

Paul Wakefield, 40, and Craig Whelan, 23, from Nottinghamshire, died in a fireball while working on the 150-metre-high chimney at Carnaud Metalbox Food UK in Westhoughton, Bolton.

The incident happened in May 2002 and has been under investigation by both Greater Manchester Police and the Health and Safety Executive.

Ian Billington, 39, of Conisber Close in Dunscar, Bolton, and 57-year-old Colin Stevens, of Barford Grove in Lostock, have both been charged with two counts of manslaughter.

They are due to appear before magistrates in Bolton on 20 May.

Greater Manchester Police said a third man is to be summonsed for the offences.